Emotional symptoms of stress include:
- ✔ Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
- ✔ Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control
- ✔ Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind
- ✔ Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed
- ✔ Avoiding others
Physical symptoms of stress include:
- ✔ Low energy
- Headaches
- Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
- ✔ Aches, pains, and tense muscles
- Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Frequent colds and infections
- Loss of sexual desire and/or ability
- ✔ Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands and feet
- ✔ Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
- Clenched jaw and grinding teeth
Cognitive symptoms of stress include:
- ✔ Constant worrying
- ✔ Racing thoughts
- ✔ Forgetfulness and disorganization
- ✔ Inability to focus
- ✔ Poor judgment
- ✔ Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side
Behavioral symptoms of stress include:
- ✔ Changes in appetite -- either not eating or eating too much
- ✔ Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities
- Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
- ✔ Exhibiting more nervous behaviors, such as nail biting, fidgeting, and pacing